The merchant's rebirth led to the complete downfall of the Marquis's mansion.

That day, Qin Yao invited Chen Yiru and Liu Qingping to go to the hot pot restaurant to check on the progress.

The hot pot restaurant is now basically complete.

The custom-made tables, chairs and benches on the first floor are already in place.

The private rooms on the second floor have already been arranged, and the screens and calligraphy inside have been properly set up.

The three of them walked around the entire store, feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

In particular, Liu Qingping, who was in charge of naming the private rooms, spent the most time at the door of each room.

These were ideas she had come up with at great expense from the retainers of the princess's residence.

Serene and elegant.

Qin Yao made the decision.

Originally, Lingna had a name, but Qin Yao felt it wasn't quite appropriate.

Hongyadong, Baixiangju, Qiansimen...

Qin Yao had inquired about the origins of these names, and they seemed to be place names from Lingna's hometown.

But this has absolutely nothing to do with them.

It would be more endearing to change it to their names.

Therefore, the private rooms are now called Babaoge and Zhuangyuanju...

In a private room on the third floor, the three sat facing each other.

This place is mostly booked long-term, and it's basically a venue for high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Qin Yao discussed it with them and reserved a room for them so that they could entertain guests in the future.

"Sisters, it's about the same. When will we open for business?" Liu Qingping asked.

"So eager? There's plenty of time!" Chen Yiru replied.

Qin Yao smiled and agreed.

"The blacksmith hasn't finished making the product yet, and the ingredients are still being researched. It will probably take another half month."

"Half a month, just right! Sister Qin, what should I give you as a gift after your coming-of-age ceremony? Sister Chen, what should you give me?" Liu Qingping looked at Chen Yiru with shining eyes.

Chen Yiru: "It's a small gift but carries great meaning!"

"What kind of answer is that!" Liu Qingping exclaimed in dissatisfaction.

"You know what Qin Yao gave me last time! Nothing I give her can compare! Isn't it all about the sentiment behind the gift?"

Liu Qingping thought about it and realized that it made sense.

That headdress is the best in Kyoto!

"Sigh! I need to think about this carefully!"

Seeing her troubled expression, Qin Yao teased, "What in the Princess's residence isn't priceless? What are you still hesitating about? Besides, I'll like whatever you give me."

Isn't friendship the most important thing?

Liu Qingping still couldn't figure it out.

She has so many things, some given to her by her princess mother when she was a child, and others given to her by her princess mother after she returned to the palace.

There were also many gifts from my imperial uncle, and from the empresses in the palace. She had so many things that she had two storerooms.

But she really didn't know what would be appropriate to give to Qin Yao; she had to go back and ask her mother, the princess.

The three sat for a while longer before deciding to go home.

Liu Qingping, preoccupied with her own thoughts, was the first to leave.

Just as Chen Yiru was about to get into the car, Qin Yao suddenly grabbed her.

"What's wrong?" Chen Yiru asked, her eyes full of confusion.

"I wanted to ask you, how have you been lately? Have your mother... Madam Chen and Jiang Qianqian given you any trouble?"

Chen Yiru paused for a moment, then smiled nonchalantly and said:

“They’ve been much more obedient lately, probably because they’re out of money and can’t get anything from me anymore. They’re not as friendly to me as before. That’s fine, I don’t want to be hypocritical with them either.”

"We still need to be careful," Qin Yao advised.

"I know, the wedding is coming soon, and I probably won't be able to come out much after that, so you'll have to take care of the shop."

Qin Yao nodded. It was only right that she took the lead since she was the one to do so.

As Chen Yiru's carriage gradually drove away, Qin Yao remained anxious and unable to recover for a long time.

The Chiang family will definitely make their move during this period.

"Any news from Liu Da?"

Qiu Liu: "No, Miss, don't worry. Liu Da is with us the whole time, and he will send back any news as soon as possible."

"I'm still not at ease. I'll find someone to sneak into the Chen residence."

Qin Yao gave the order, but she still felt uneasy, because Chen Yiru was now surrounded by people who wanted to harm her.

"Yes, miss, I'll arrange it right away."

……

Soon, the day of her coming-of-age ceremony arrived.

Qin Yao was woken up very early in the morning.

She had no elders, and the Qin family elders were not in the capital.

Therefore, she does not plan to hold a large-scale event.

She only sent invitations to her close girlfriends.

Granny Zhao felt very sorry for her.

What young lady doesn't have a proper elder when she comes of age?

She's really overestimating herself by acting as a money collector for the young lady.

In her past life, she was the matriarch... There were also many members of the Jiang family among the guests.

Qin Yao had planned to invite Chen Yiru's mother this time, but who knew that Jiang was a heartless imposter.

Alright, Qin Yao gave up on the idea and called the nanny over.

Chen Yiru arrived very early, and besides her, Jiang Shi and Jiang Qianqian also came.

Chen Yiru was not very willing, but since Jiang was her mother, she had no choice but to obey.

She arrived early, and Jiang Qianqian was still grumbling about not wanting to come. Chen Yiru almost left, but Jiang intervened and they came over together.

In the living room, Chen Yiru drank tea and did not go to find Qin Yao.

I'm afraid Jiang Qianqian will also come along, which would be a real disappointment.

After all, Madam Jiang had been the matriarch of the household for many years, so she still maintained a certain air of authority.

But Jiang Qianqian was different; her eyes never stopped moving from the moment she came in.

His eyes darted around, his pupils darting about.

Jiang gave her several meaningful glances, but she ignored them, which angered Jiang so much that she started drinking her tea and pretended not to see it.

If she genuinely wanted to help Jiang Qianqian before, then after paying 38,000 taels, Jiang's feelings towards this niece were now only about profit.

As long as the goal is achieved, Jiang Qianqian's reputation is not of much concern.

After sitting for a while, people gradually arrived, and the living room became more crowded.

Some of Chen Yiru's acquaintances greeted her warmly.

Jiang Qianqian didn't know many people, so she sat upright waiting for Chen Yiru to introduce her. Little did she know, Chen Yiru had no intention of doing so at all.

"Cousin!" Jiang Qianqian called out softly.

Chen Yiru pretended not to hear.

Jiang Qianqian called out several times before turning her gaze to her aunt, Jiang Shi.

Madam Jiang wouldn't really abandon her, but many of the people who came were daughters of business families, and she didn't know many of them!

Jiang waved her hand, telling her to calm down.

We should at least make friends with useful people. These are the people Chiang Kai-shek has never made friends with, nor does he want to.

Jiang Qianqian had no choice but to give up and picked up the tea on the table to drink.

Having made a fool of herself last time, she didn't dare to drink it in big gulps. She took a small sip, but still felt uncomfortable and put it down.

I don't know what's so noble about these things; they're just plain awful.

Even though it was a rare and excellent product, Jiang Qianqian still found it unappetizing.

After sitting for a while, Jiang Qianqian couldn't sit still anymore, but no one else moved...

Madam Jiang repeatedly warned him not to do anything like a bride when he was away from home.

Until Liu Qingping came over.

Chen Yiru knew her identity and was about to bow when Liu Qingping grabbed her hand.

"Sister Chen, I've prepared a very special gift!" Liu Qingping exclaimed excitedly, like a child.

"I'm looking forward to it. I wonder who will come up with the more original idea between us."

The two were exchanging words when suddenly an untimely voice came from the side.

"laugh!"

The two looked toward the source of the sound.

Jiang Qianqian rolled her eyes. "What good stuff could you possibly have?"

Jiang Qianqian didn't recognize Liu Qingping at all, and of course, she couldn't tell what she was wearing.

She just subconsciously disliked Chen Yiru valuing others so much and leaving her aside.

Moreover, she wasn't wrong; Chen Yiru hadn't prepared anything valuable.

Liu Qingping was about to argue, but Chen Yiru spoke first.

"Of course, we can't compare to my cousin, who didn't prepare anything and just freeloaded."

Seeing that Jiang Qianqian was about to retort, Jiang's mother, fearing that the two would start arguing, quickly stopped her.

"Ru'er!"

Chen Yiru looked away and pulled Liu Qingping to another place.

Jiang was still her mother, and she couldn't afford to have a falling out with her in public.

Chen Yiru left, but Jiang Qianqian did not give up easily.

"What's so great about him! How dare a mere merchant be so arrogant!"

"Shut up!" Madam Jiang grabbed Jiang Qianqian, and everyone around looked over.

Most of them are merchants!

"Fool!" Jiang cursed inwardly.

Just then, someone came to invite them.

Jiang then took Jiang Qianqian and left.

In Qin Yao's courtyard, everyone was already prepared.

Chen Yiru and Liu Qingping stood in the place closest to her.

When Jiang Qianqian arrived, she was already seated towards the back.

This was intolerable to Jiang Qianqian, who considered herself to be from an official family.

"Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"

Before Jiang could react, Jiang Qianqian had already pushed through the crowd and squeezed in.

The ladies who were nearly knocked over by her shoving attacked her en masse.

"what are you doing?"

"That's so rude!"

"Where did this reckless woman come from!"

……

"Hmph! I'm doing you a favor by squeezing you out!" Jiang Qianqian said arrogantly, showing no remorse.

"you!"

The ladies, who valued their status, couldn't bring themselves to argue, and they were speechless as they pointed at Jiang Qianqian.

Jiang Qianqian looked at Qin Yao, who was standing in the middle, still with that arrogant demeanor.

"Qin Yao, I'm doing you a favor by coming here. Tell them to keep their distance and not upset me."

Chen Yiru was furious when she saw her like this.

"Jiang Qianqian! Don't go too far!"

Chen Yi-ru felt ashamed that he was so unruly at home and so disrespectful to others at their coming-of-age ceremonies.

At this moment, Granny Zhao led in a woman dressed in fine clothes.

Jiang Qianqian's eyes flashed with jealousy when she saw the other woman's gorgeous dress.

Her clothes today were also gorgeous, but they paled in comparison.

Looking at the wealthy woman, Jiang Qianqian's face showed a mocking expression.

“What kind of talk is it for a commoner to wear gold and silver? I think it would be better to give him some coarse cloth clothes that look more pleasing to the eye.”

"You! How dare you!" Liu Qingping was the first to stand up.

Not only were they rude to her, but they also dared to speak to the princess's mother like that!

"Outrageous! You merchant girls should all be forbidden from wearing silk, jewelry, and fancy clothes! Look at you all, anyone who didn't know better would think you were from a wealthy and powerful family!"

Jiang Qianqian unleashed a torrent of words, completely oblivious to everyone's anger.

They didn't even notice the wealthy woman's face darken.

Merchants had a low social status, and there were indeed many restrictions on them, such as prohibitions on taking imperial examinations and using silk.

But that's not the case now, especially after the Qin family became imperial merchants.

Merchants also gained a certain status.

"It seems this young lady is dissatisfied with the royal family's policies. I wonder if her family shares the same sentiment. Guards! Send her to the Prefect of the Capital and have a proper discussion."

"Yes, Your Highness Princess!"

The princess's guards came out and waved, and several people dressed as guards walked in.

Jiang Shi, who was too late to stop them, and Jiang Qianqian, who was already stunned, both stood there dumbfounded.

Is this noblewoman a princess?